Jane Morris

Dante Gabriel Rossetti 1828-82

Pencil, drawn around 1870

Accession number WAG 3207

Purchased by the Walker Art Gallery from Rossetti's studio sale after his death, 1883

Jane Morris was Rossetti's favourite model. From her distinctive features and long wavy hair Rossetti created a new type of Pre-Raphaelite beauty.

Jane was the wife of Rossetti's friend the designer, poet and socialist William Morris. She posed for Rossetti during the 1860s, and they fell deeply in love. Rossetti made many informal drawings of her like this one. Her health was poor and many of the drawings show her sitting or
reclining.